Short Takes

Short Takes

The Vietnam War Monument Foundation Inc., a Tidewater organization, is sponsoring a contest to choose the design for a monument to be built in front of the War Memorial Museum in Newport News.

To enter, submit a drawing or three-dimensional model that would be above ground, represent servicemen and women, all five branches of service, and the living, dead and missing. Height and width can be up to 50 feet by 50 feet. The entry, which must be received by April 30, should be mailed or delivered to the museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News 23607.

A $1,000 savings bond will be awarded for the winning design, and two $100 savings bonds will be awarded for honorable mention. For more information, call 247-8523.

JUST LOOKING

Lamps & Gifts Ltd., 689 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, has a wide selection of tassles to decorate a traditional secretary desk or put on a lamp. Available in a variety of sizes and fabrics, like rayon or cotton, colors include teal or Williamsburg blue and burgundy. Prices range from $2.50 for a small tassle to $18.50 for the largest.

Store gift items inlcude antique or reproduction pieces. Also for sale are all kinds of old and new lamps, and replacement lampshades. The shop also repairs, lacquers and polishes lamps and silver.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

The summer's forest fires burned more than 4.3 million acres of America's parks and forests according to The National Arbor Day Foundation. "Forest trees play a vital role in the ecosystem," says John Rosenow, foundation executive director.

To assist in the replanting effort, you can become a foundation member for $10 and have 10 trees planted on your behalf. Send your check to Forest Trees, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410.

WORKSTYLE

"My goal is to attain higher levels of patience, humility and faith. Ultimately, this will earn more than any paycheck I'll ever receive."

- Venetia Thomas

Helping clients recognize they have a problem is the most challenging part of Venetia Thomas' work as a chemical dependency clinician. "For people who are sick, denial is one of the primary symptoms of chemical dependency," says Thomas who works out of Sentara Psychological Group, Tidewater Psychiatric Institute and The James Institute, all on the Peninsula.

At times, clients resist acknowledging they are ill. "Oftentimes, I'll say, `I'm becoming frustrated.' I don't come across as having all the answers. Sometimes, they just appreciate my being honest about my feelings."

Thomas thinks problems within the family or on the job make clients seek counseling, not internal motivation. "They're not people who woke up one morning and said, `Gee, what I want to do most in life is go into a chemical dependency program."

Asked what trait has equipped her to be successful professionally and personally, Thomas says, "I think versatility is my greatest ally."

*This column provides you with a window on our town. Have someone or something to add? Call Jill at 247-4791, or write to her at the Daily Press Features Department, MP 1203, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News 23607.